In commemoration of 100 years’ of Volleyball in the Island nation, Ceylon Biscuits Limited along with the Sri Lanka Volleyball Association organized the 11th Munchee Nation Volleyball Championship.

The Super League category comprised of 14 teams as the tournament kicked off on the 10th of November.

Newly formed CEB will clash against one of the heavyweights of Sri Lanka Volleyball, the Sri Lanka Ports authority in a much anticipated final to be played on the 26th of November at the Youth Services Council Indoor Stadium, Maharagama.

Road to the final

CEB were a much fancied outfit even before a ball was served in this competition as they had a number of national players. They lived up to their expectations as they breezed into the semifinals despite a minor glitch in the group stages against Sri Lanka Youth Services.

What is noteworthy is that both finalists featured in the same group. CEB came up trumps in that specific clash beating Sri Lanka Ports Authority with ease by three sets to one (3:1).  

The Ports Authority enjoyed an easy path into the finals. Their only loss happened to be at the hands of their final opposition. They picked themselves up well after that setback as they dominated their way into the finals.

Semi-Finals

CEB faced a spirited Air Force line up in their semi-final clash. Despite being labeled as favorites for the tie CEB had to dig deep and bring all their experience into play. Eventually CEB’s flamboyant attacking paired with a rock-solid defense prevailed as they overcame the Airmen by four sets.

Score:  25-22, 22-25, 25-21, 25-22. (CEB 3:1)

A stellar Army outfit stood in the way of Sri Lanka Ports Authority and the spot in the final. Unlike CEB, the Ports Authority left no margin for error as they steamrolled passed the Soldiers to take the game in straight sets and comfortably secure their place in the final.

A bullish attack along with some individual moments of brilliance in serving paved the way for the Ports Authority lads as they turned the second semi-final a one sided affair.

Score: 25-20, 25-23, 25-22. (Ports Authority 3:0)

Key Players

Sameera Dissanayake and Janitha Surath are the stand out names in the Sri Lanka Ports Authority line up as they lay claim to a rich history in the sport, producing numerous Nation level players throughout the years.

Sameera who happens to be a former national cap, has skippered the outfit and bags of experience under his belt. The likes of Nilanka Sanjaya, Lasindu Methmal and former Sri Lanka Junior cap Vimukthi Sagara paint a vibrant picture of the rich caliber of players at the disposal of the Ports Authority.

On the flipside, CEB have the services of the strongest offensive player in the island in the shape of Deeptha Romesh. Moreover, skipper Gayan Premarathne, Libero and Sri Lanka cap Lakmal, Kasun Chathuranga and Ayesh Perera round off the electrifying offensive line for the CEB lads.

Speaking to ThePapare.com prior to the Finals

The captain of CEB Gayan Premaratne;

“I would like to thank Hon. Minister Ranjith Siyambalapitiy and coach Chaminda Jayaratne for coming up with the whole idea of forming a professional team. First and foremost we are thankful that we’re in the final and it’ll be a daunting task in our first ever final up against the Ports Authority who are triple champions in this competition.

We’ve been preparing for this competition for the last 3 months. They are rich in National players and we know what we’re up against. We want to give a good fight and win hence we’ve been training hard in Gampaha lately.”

Sandun Wimalasena expressing his thoughts “We won against them in the group stages. However they’re aware of our tactics at the moment. But we’re hoping to approach the finals with a different set of tactics”

The skipper of Sri Lanka Port’s Authority Janitha Surath “We are training hard these days. Our opponents (CEB) comprise of some of our own talented national team mates. As much as any other team we’re entering the finals hoping to win it. We want to give a good fight and win the final hence our team is looking forward to this final in a positive manner”

The CEB Squad

Janitha Surath (C), Sameera Dissanayake, Udaya Rukmal, Nilanka Snajaya, Chaminda Dharshana, Rumesh Dissanayake, Shehan Sagara, Lasindu Methmal, Gayan Dilruk, Chulaananda Abeywardena, Ruwan Chamara, Mahesh Ranga Ramanayake.

Head Coach: Kalika Wasanthapriya
Asst. Coach: Raveendra Thilakaratne
Physiotherapist: Sashi Kumar
Team Manager: S.D. Weerasinghe

The Sri Lanka Ports Authority Squad

Gayan Premeratne (C), Deepthi Romesh, Kasun Chathuranga, Lakmal, Ayesh Perera, Tharindu Lakmal, Kasun Amaraweera, Kavindu Chandrasiri, Sandun Wimalasena, Nishan Kodisinghe, Sujeewa

Head Coach: Chaminda Jayaratne
Asst. Coach: Upali Nelligahawatta
Physiotherapist: Chanaka Amarasinghe
Team Manager: M.G. Weerasinghe